How Do Russian Jewish and Israeli Immigrants Differ?
Israeli immigrants differ from their Russian Jewish counterparts in several dimensions: in the reasons for leaving their country of origin and coming to Canada, in their sense of Jewish identity, in their retention of separate ethno-cultural enclaves, and in the extent of their transnational adjustment, integration, and community involvement. The primary motivation of both Israelis and Russian Jews to come to Canada was their hope of improving their economic well-being and enjoying the economic opportunities that Canada has to offer. Secondary to prosperity was the desire to live in a peaceful country. In addition to these two common motives, Russian Jews indicated that they were pushed out of their homelands because of antisemitism and lack of political freedom. They found Canada attractive because it is a democracy that provides its citizens with political freedom. 41 The secondary migration of Russian Jews, from Israel to Canada, was prompted by different motives. A recent task forc
